Effective October 1, 2025 (and August 7, 2025 for USDA researchers), regardless of sponsor, all principal investigators (PIs), co-principal investigators (co-PIs), senior/key personnel, program directors (PDs), co-program directors (co-PDs), project managers, and anyone else identified in the request for proposals, notice of funding opportunity, or award terms and conditions must complete annual Research Security Training.
This requirement stems from National Security Presidential Memoradum-33 (NSPM-33) and is enacted by federal agencies.
Who Is Required to Take the Training: Regardless of sponsor, all principal investigators (PIs), co-principal investigators (co-PIs), senior/key personnel, program directors (PDs), co-program directors (co-PDs), project managers, and anyone else identified in the request for proposals, notice of funding opportunity, or award terms and conditions
How Often is Training Required?: Annually
When Does Training Need to Be Completed?: Prior to submitting a proposal
How Long Does Training Take?: Approximately 1 hour
How Do I Access the Training?: The training is available in MyTrack Learning
Required Annual Certification for PIs on NSF, DOE, and USDA Awards
Beginning October 10, 2025, the National Science Foundation (NSF) will require PIs, co-PIs, and senior/key personnel to certify in research.gov that they have completed research security training in the previous 12 months and re-certify annually for the duration of the award.
The U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) also requires PIs and co-PIs to certify that they have completed research security training in the previous 12 months and re-certify annually for the duration of the award.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will similarly require PIs, co-PIs, and senior/key personnel to certify in research.gov that they have completed research security training in the previous 12 months and re-certify annually for the duration of the award.
This new certification is in addition to the annual certification in research.gov for NSF and USDA PIs and co-PIs to indicate they are not party to a malign foreign talent recruitment program.
Please carefully read all certifications. If you have questions or concerns, contact your SPS post-award team.